The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation (CCCF) has awarded six Columbia organizations $280,512 in grants aimed at advancing cultural vibrancy and civic engagement.
Since the Knight Foundation's inception in 1993 at the CCCF, more than $4.4 million dollars have been funneled into the city of Columbia.
In a news release, the Senior Director for Community Impact at the Knight Foundation, Lilly Weinberg, states that these project who were awarded, "reflect Columbia’s strong civic and cultural leadership," and recognizes the efforts of the "many local organizations to create more opportunities for residents to gather, participate, and shape the future of their community." The recipients of the grant include:
- City of Columbia. The new grant will help fund programming at Finlay Park as the city nears completion of its $25 million renovation. Officials say the project aims to reconnect residents with the 18-acre downtown green space.
- South Carolina Humanities. The funds will support a pilot Capacity Building Program in Richland County, offering nonprofits organizational training and collaboration opportunities to strengthen leadership, expand funding, and build creative and community connections.
- Columbia Museum of Art. In spring and fall 2026, the museum will host two seasons of outdoor programming on Boyd Plaza, with a focus on engaging older adults through art and creative activities.
- One Columbia for Arts and Culture. A new art series at the historic 1870 Ensor Keenan House will weave together music, visual art, poetry, and culinary arts into a series of immersive events.
- SC Women in Leadership. MatchBoard, the nonprofit's digital platform connecting the public with government boards and commissions, will use Knight grant funding to expand its marketing reach.
- CivicLex. Kentucky-based CivicLex is partnering with Richland County Library to expand its civic health model into South Carolina, equipping local organizations with tools and training to boost civic trust and participation.